Cigar Weekly

monteman · 08-23-2016, 09:19 AM

I was just gifted a Magnum of Cuvee Dom Perignon Vintage 1988. Assuming it has been at room temperature, can this still be good?

TIA

jazznut · 08-23-2016, 09:25 AM

Possibly. Stability of storage temperature (assuming that "room temperature" never spiked into the 'hot zone') is almost as important as coolness of storage temperature. Wide temperature fluctuations can reek havoc. And Champagne corks are among the best (i.e. tightest fitting) in the wine industry. However, the fact the Champagne is going on 28 years of age may mean the contents have suffered some degree of degradation.

grtrx · 08-23-2016, 10:22 AM

I've had white wines from the 70s... there was oxidation for sure, but some of them still have some character, some of them are dead. Would be very interested to hear how this bottle has done. Good luck!

monteman · 08-24-2016, 06:54 AM

Thanks - waiting for a special occasion but I will report!

jazznut · 08-24-2016, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grtrx

I've had white wines from the 70s...

There's an all-too-common, mistaken perception that white wines (of course, it's worth remembering that a large quantity of Champagne is actually made from a blending of red and white grape varieties) aren't as age-worthy as reds.

I've broached white wines (such as German Rieslings and Alsatian Pinot Gris) that were well into their third decade. They were absolutely 'spot-on'. Vintage Champagnes are also well worth cellaring.

grtrx · 08-24-2016, 08:49 AM

Agree on assuming white wine has to be drunk young... it just isn't true

There are white wines from Lebanon that actually are not much for drinking without 5-10 years...

Chablis can age very, very well (as in OMG good), and Spain has its white wines that age.

And there is my of time favorite, Savennieres, again needs time before being drunk.

Now I'm thirsty.... thanks!

flipflop · 08-24-2016, 01:29 PM

When Champagne goes bad, you can tell because the cork sprouts a white flag in the French tradition.

08-23-2016, 09:19 AM	#1
monteman Club Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 3,781	Does Champagne Go Bad I was just gifted a Magnum of Cuvee Dom Perignon Vintage 1988. Assuming it has been at room temperature, can this still be good? TIA

08-23-2016, 09:25 AM	#2
jazznut Managing Editor Emeritus Herf God Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 26,082	Possibly. Stability of storage temperature (assuming that "room temperature" never spiked into the 'hot zone') is almost as important as coolness of storage temperature. Wide temperature fluctuations can reek havoc. And Champagne corks are among the best (i.e. tightest fitting) in the wine industry. However, the fact the Champagne is going on 28 years of age may mean the contents have suffered some degree of degradation. __________________ My whisky adventure began at the age of nine. Good things DO take time!

08-23-2016, 10:22 AM	#3
grtrx Contributing Editor Herf God Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Naperville IL Posts: 44,579	I've had white wines from the 70s... there was oxidation for sure, but some of them still have some character, some of them are dead. Would be very interested to hear how this bottle has done. Good luck! __________________ "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Sir Winston Churchill "A sick thought can devour the body's flesh more than fever or consumption." - Guy de Maupassant

08-24-2016, 08:49 AM	#6
grtrx Contributing Editor Herf God Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Naperville IL Posts: 44,579	Agree on assuming white wine has to be drunk young... it just isn't true There are white wines from Lebanon that actually are not much for drinking without 5-10 years... Chablis can age very, very well (as in OMG good), and Spain has its white wines that age. And there is my of time favorite, Savennieres, again needs time before being drunk. Now I'm thirsty.... thanks! __________________ "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Sir Winston Churchill "A sick thought can devour the body's flesh more than fever or consumption." - Guy de Maupassant

08-24-2016, 01:29 PM	#7
flipflop Contributing Editor CW Butt Whisperer Herf God Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 50,560	When Champagne goes bad, you can tell because the cork sprouts a white flag in the French tradition. __________________ "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats." -- H. L. Mencken "I am the punishment of God. If you had not committed great sins, God would not have sent a punishment like me upon you." -- Ghengis Khan

08-24-2016, 06:54 AM	#4
monteman Club Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 3,781	Thanks - waiting for a special occasion but I will report!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Perdomo Champagne	Ringo	Cigar Reviews	7	11-18-2009 12:30 PM
The champagne of beers...	Jester	I'll Drink to That!	11	05-30-2008 05:23 AM
Champagne suggestions?	jaroth28	I'll Drink to That!	21	01-04-2005 11:39 AM
Champagne Cocktails anyone?	Sir-smokes-a-lot	I'll Drink to That!	5	12-24-2004 09:02 PM
Storing Champagne?	Reverend Jim	I'll Drink to That!	4	08-02-2002 02:25 PM